PREVIEW: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Season 6 Midseason Premiere “Tougher Than the Rest”

What is Gideon’s plan now that he’s in Storybrooke? And how long will Emma and Regina be stuck in Wish World? Watch a sneak peek of tonight’s Once Upon a Time midseason premiere!

Courtesy of ABC/Jack Rowand

Happy New Year fellow Oncers! Long time, no chat 🙂

Well after the long hiatus, Once Upon a Time is finally back TONIGHT for its midseason premiere!

How about a little recap to make sure we’re all on the same page?

“Wish You Were Here” began with Emma, Killian, and Regina learning that the mystery sword they found in Mr. Gold’s shop (the same one that kills Emma in her visions) is a weapon that hurts the Evil Queen without hurting Regina.

But before they can put the weapon to use, EQ captures Genie-Aladdin and wishes him to grant Emma’s wish that she isn’t the Savior. Immediately she’s transported to this Wish World where she grows up with her parents, marries Neal (who is now dead), and has Henry. It’s Emma’s birthday and next day is Henry’s knighting ceremony. Though Emma remembers Storybrooke, everyone convinces her it’s a dream.

*SIDENOTE* Who knew older Charming and Snow would look so good?!

Back in Storybrooke, Regina realizes that since EQ controls the lamp, she does too. Regina wishes to be sent where Emma is, but upon arrival in the Wish World, she’s confused with EQ.

Regina is unable to convince Emma that they are in an alternate world so she ends up taking role of the Evil Queen, believing that a show of evil will trigger Emma’s inner Savior. This is based on advice from Alternate Rumple who’s imprisoned. But it’s all fake right? What could go wrong? *giggles madly*

Regina releases Rumple in exchange for a promise of a magic bean to transport her and Emma back to Storybrooke. Regina (dressed as EQ) then crashes Henry’s knighting ceremony and kidnaps Snow and Charming.

Yet, instead of Emma finding her inner hero, she surrenders the key to the kingdom. Regina becomes frustrated and crushes the Charmings’ hearts to motivate Emma. It doesn’t work! When Henry comes to Emma’s defense and Regina refuses to fight him, this is what galvanizes Emma to unleash her inner-hero.

Emma and Regina soon link up with Alternate Rumple to get the bean. The portal opens and just as they’re about to jump in, Robin Hood shows up to rob them! Of course, Regina has no intention of leaving now…

Meanwhile, in Storybrooke David tricks the Evil Quessn out of the lamp and wishes that EQ gets exactly what she deserves. Nothing changes because all EQ ever wanted was for the Charmings to be ripped apart. *grumbles* Killian, Henry and Jasmine arrive in time to save David, but EQ makes her escape.

Elsewhere, Rumple fails to locate Gideon and goes to Belle for help because apparently their son isn’t anywhere in this world. Soon they learn that the Black Fairy stole baby Gideon from Blue.

Finally, the Hooded Figure from Emma’s vision arrives in Storybrooke (he turns Evil Queen into a snake and cages her). Who is it? It’s Adult Gideon/Morpheus!

Is Robin Hood back for real? Why would Gideon/Morpheus want Emma dead? The time for answers has arrived!

In tonight’s midseason premiere “Tougher Than the Rest” (written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, directed by Billy Gierhart):

EMMA TAKES HER DESTINY INTO HER OWN HANDS WHILE REGINA EXPLORES WHAT ROBIN’S LIFE IS LIKE WITHOUT HER—With Snow still asleep in Storybrooke, David and Hook race to stop Gideon before he can confront Emma. Gideon makes a startling confession to Belle and Gold about his whereabouts while he was missing. Meanwhile, Regina struggles with the realization that everyone, perhaps even Robin, is better off in the alternate world where the Evil Queen was defeated. And when Emma inspires a familiar face to help her and Regina return home, she discovers the power to change her fate. (via ABC)

Oh my… in these two clips from the upcoming show we see that things are going to be INTENSE.

In the first clip, Regina realizes that Alternate Robin doesn’t know her. Now that they’re stuck in Wish World and everyone things Regina is EQ, she and Emma have to go into hiding. In the second, Rumple questions Gideon about his plans.